Browne Greene Will File Motion for New Trial on Behalf of Injured U.S. District Court Judge George P. Schiavelli

Plaintiff Alleges Escalator Malfunction at Encino Place Shopping Center Caused Accident Resulting in Serious Injury

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Browne Greene will file a Motion for New Trial on behalf of his client, U.S. District Court Judge George P. Schiavelli, after a Los Angeles Superior Court/Van Nuys Division jury failed on February 22, 2008 to find for the plaintiff. The trial began on February 4, 2008 and was heard before the Hon. Leon S. Kaplan. The Plaintiff alleged that an escalator at Encino Place Shopping Center in Encino, CA. malfunctioned, causing him to fall and to be seriously injured. Judge Schiavelli is represented by Browne Greene and Robert D. Jarchi with the Santa Monica, CA. law firm of Greene Broillet & Wheeler (www.greene-broillet.com). George P. Schiavelli vs. Peppy LLC Management & Leasing Company, Case No. BC346931.

“The jury’s bias against him was palpable. Just like everyone else, Judge Schiavelli is entitled to have his day in court, and we will be filing a motion for a new trial so that justice will be served once and for all.”

On August 12, 2005, Judge Schiavelli (now age 59) was riding the escalator at Encino Place Shopping Center, which was maintained by defendant Peppy LLC Management & Leasing Company. He alleges that the escalator stopped suddenly and without warning, causing him to fall down the escalator and sustain serious injuries to his knees, back, neck and hips. Judge Schiavelli has already undergone surgery to replace one knee and must have additional surgeries to replace his other knee and to repair other physical damage to his body.

“In closing arguments,” explained Browne Greene, “we asked for $21 million, which was to cover Judge Schiavelli’s medical expenses and future economic losses, as well as to compensate him for the pain and suffering he has endured because of the accident. We presented compelling evidence from four eyewitnesses to the accident, as well as an employee from Peppy Management Company, who told the jury that the company had destroyed records related to the accident after we filed this lawsuit.”

“The jury ignored the evidence and ruled against my client because of his position as a federal court judge,” continued Browne Greene. “The jury’s bias against him was palpable. Just like everyone else, Judge Schiavelli is entitled to have his day in court, and we will be filing a motion for a new trial so that justice will be served once and for all.”

Editor’s Note:

Plaintiff George P. Schiavelli is represented by Browne Greene and Robert D. Jarchi with the Santa Monica, CA. law firm of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP; Tel: [phone].

Defendant Peppy LLC Management & Leasing Company was represented by Russell S. Wollman with the Los Angeles, CA. law firm of Murchison & Cumming, LLP; Tel: [phone].